Notes and Editorial Reviews
Although you can find many of the works on this program scattered across other compilations both devoted to Herbert Howells and combined with music by other composers, this disc contains an excellent selection of both service music and anthems that will serve as a fine companion to, say, the Corydon Singers' (Hyperion) or Vasari Singers' (Signum) version of the Requiem. Much of Howells' significant contribution to 20th-century church music has been fairly well documented by some of the world's best choirs, and the Choir of Wells Cathedral must be included in that category, here delivering a rendition of the substantial A Sequence for St. Michael with emotional power and dynamic force worthy of the
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work's awesome subject and Howells' dramatic score. The tempo is faster than some others--all to the performance's good--and there's real force behind the cathedral organ, alongside which the choral voices, complete with exceptionally lovely boy and girl trebles, stand full and well-balanced.
Among the highlights are the a cappella student work, Salve Regina, the three carol-anthems, and Howells' stunning "Mag & Nunc" setting, Collegium Regale, with its soaring, truly glorious "Gloria" sections. If you want an excellent recording of the complete Howells canticles, including the Hymn for St. Cecilia and Salve Regina, go for the Collegiate Singers' versions on two CDs (Priory); but for a single-disc taste of this outstanding composer's service and Christmas music, you won't go wrong with this choice. [8/29/2005]
--David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com
Reviewing original release of this recording, Hyperion 67494 Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Carol-Anthems (3) for Chorus by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Rupert Gough (Organ)
Conductor:
Malcolm Archer
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Wells Cathedral Choir
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
2.
Sequence for St Michael by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Rupert Gough (Organ)
Conductor:
Malcolm Archer
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Wells Cathedral Choir
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
3.
A Hymn for St Cecilia by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Rupert Gough (Organ)
Conductor:
Malcolm Archer
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Wells Cathedral Choir
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1961; England
5.
Windsor Service: Te Deum by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Rupert Gough (Organ)
Conductor:
Malcolm Archer
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Wells Cathedral Choir
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
6.
Windsor Service: Benedictus by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Rupert Gough (Organ)
Conductor:
Malcolm Archer
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Wells Cathedral Choir
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
7.
I love all beauteous things by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Rupert Gough (Organ)
Conductor:
Malcolm Archer
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Wells Cathedral Choir
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1977
8.
Salve Regina by Herbert Howells
Performer:
Rupert Gough (Organ)
Conductor:
Malcolm Archer
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Wells Cathedral Choir
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
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